On Saturday 24th, The Friends Of Thetford Forest Park held an open day at the arboretum in Lynford to enable members and visitors, both local and holiday makers, to learn a little more about the work that has been completed over the last 3 years whilst under the care of the Friends of Thetford Forest Park. Visitors were also able to a preview the interpretation boards that The Friends of Thetford Forest Park have helped in the acqusition of that will be installed at Lynford Arboretum.

There was the opportunity to have a walk around the site in the company of one of the team and learn some of the facts and figures associated with the arboretum - For instance not many people realise that it is considered to the the third most important arboretum in the whole of the country, with many significantly rare species on site. From the point of view of The Friends, it was amazing the number of people that came along and had different interests in the site - Some bird-watching, some insect hunting, some interested in the wide variety of foreign trees, some just out for a walk or jog!

The arboretum was started by the Forestry Commission in the late 1940's at this location because it was next door to their training school situated within Lynford Hall next door, however it would appear that 100 years prior to that the tradition of tree planting was already started as a then visitor to the hall was recorded as saying "The estate (Lynford Hall) is celebrated for its' noble and extensive plantations", and in fact the purchase of the hall in 1856 by a Mr Lyne-Stephens made special mention of the timber on site and the fact that the Oak, Larch, Beech and Elm growing to unusual lengths and straightness.

If you want to learn more about the arboretum and its' history, there is free parking and entry - Although a little off the beaten track just follow the signs to Lynford Hall and the entrance is a little further down the road with the car park clearly marked on the left directly opposite the entrance to the arboretum. The site is unmanned, but it would not be unusual to find some volunteers working there.